A GARDEN OF HERBS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20482, 6 February 1930, Page 17

A GARDEN OF HERBS.

OLD-FASHIONED RECIPES. , A herb garden sounds a very attractive thing and brings to one's mind the vision of lavender walks, prim bushes of rosemary, and clumps of aromatic sage and thyme and mint. There is an old-world flavour about the very names that is very fascinating, and we think of dainty ladies of bygone days superintending the planting and. growing of their favourite herbs, thert the gathering of them, the drying and the making-up by famous family recipos into medicines, ointments, washes and perfumes. Those days are gone; nowadays wo mostly grow herbs in small quantities for flavourings. Medicines and face creams are bought from the nearest chemist, aiui in many cases we pay very heavily for things that \ve could make much more cheaply and with safe and more wholesome results. The trouble is that many of us don't know what, can be done with home-grown herbs, or what a source of pleasure and ,health they could be to us. Take sage, for instance, that we mostly grow for a flavouring to enhance the delights of goose or pdrk, but there are many other uses for sa'go. Sage tea is ono of the very best spring tonics available. The way to make it is to take two handfuls of young sago leaves and pour over it one pint of boiling water. If dried leaves are used, one teaspoonful will be enough for the pint of water. Drink a wineglassful every morning each day. Sage leaves are excellent for cleaning and whitening the teeth, and one hears of old-fashioned nurses who used to take their charges do\Vn to the herb-bed and there pluck fresh leaves aiid with them rub the children's teeth.

Peppermint is another herb that is not valued as it should be—not mint, and not the . wild peppermint which is found in the hedges, but real peppermint which can be obtained from any nurseryman. Peppermint tea is excellent for colds, influenza, chills, neuralgia and is a wonderful pick-up for wearied nerves or overfatigue. • ,To make it, scald two handfuls of fresh or one tablespoonful of dried leaves with a pint of boiling water, strain and bottle; sweeten to drink, especially for children. This is very good for- indigestion, when half a cupful should be taken after meals. Yarrow is another usoful herb, and tea made from it is .very good for rheumatism. It is satisfactory because you can use the whole of it, root, stalk, leaves and flower. These you put all cover with water, bring to the boil, and simmer for half an hour.

Rosemary makes a very good hairwash. Its name, which means dew of the sea, is in itself attractive, and many people think its smell resembles that of the sea. Its country name, "fairies' cradles," is also very sweet. j The hairwash can be made by covering as much as your saucepan will hold with cold water and simmering for half an hour. Then it should be strained and bottled. So made it will keep for a year, but if you want to use it at once, scald two or three handfuls in a pint of water, strain and use.